Villa living truly offers the best of all worlds - a chance to relax and reconnect with family and friends in your own private space while enjoying all the benefits of a first-class hotel, unobtrusively provided by experienced housekeepers, cooks and butlers. Naturally, Carrier offers some of the most exclusive and secluded residences in the world, from beach retreats to hilltop hideaways, so you can revel in an opulent home-from-home with incredible facilities for groups and multi-generational families of all sizes. You pick the location and the guests - Carrier takes care of the rest.

Jumby Bay Villas and Estate Homes, Antigua

Best for: Letting the kids roam free

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Stress-free, family-holiday destinations don't get much more magnificent than this dreamy island resort off the coast of Antigua. Set along the south shore of Long Island and surrounded by tropical gardens, it is an exquisite collection of secluded and spacious two- to eight-bedroom villas and estate homes that offer the ultimate in luxury living. Styles range from contemporary to traditional Caribbean and each has something different, whether it's impressive sporting facilities, a magnificent central pool or beachside living. Matched to your exact requirements, your dream holiday home also comes fully staffed with a housekeeper, chef and butler, so you'll want for nothing. Meanwhile, your children are free to explore the resort - all 300 pristine acres - on complimentary bikes because this slice of paradise is completely car-free.

Ellerman House, South Africa

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Best for: Culture vultures

Within the grounds of Ellerman House, an exclusive Relais & Châteaux retreat set in a Cape Edwardian mansion, are two stylish, modern villas that offer the same superb standards of comfort as the main house, with some exceptional added extras. Here, you can drink in panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from your own pool, or sip a cocktail on your private wooden deck. Later, meander through the gardens to the hotel's art gallery, its walls studded with a fine collection of original South African art, before moving onto the wine gallery, where the resident sommelier will introduce you to some of the country's best tipples. Make time for the diamond safari - a unique day trip exclusive to Ellerman House that involves jetting to the west coast, diving for gems in the ocean then choosing one to be set into a piece of jewellery. Celebrate your new acquisition back at base with a bottle of vintage Dom Pérignon; this is rock shopping at its most extravagant.

Amanpuri, Thailand

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Best for: Total relaxation

Unwinding is unavoidable at this lavish South-east-Asian retreat, which is tucked into a coconut plantation on a peninsula jutting into the bath-warm Andaman Sea. Amanpuri, meaning 'peaceful place', certainly lives up to its name - the vibe here is one of total seclusion and utter serenity. That sense of peace is accentuated by the simple elegance and unobtrusive luxury reflected in the Thai Villas Homes, which are interspersed throughout the shady grove. Each private residence has its own pool, living and dining salas (open pavilions) and the services of a live-in maid and cook. If you can rouse yourself, wander to the world-class Terrace Restaurant to sample superb Thai specialities or experience a muscle-melting massage at the Aman Spa.

This year’s top luxury family escapes

Best for: Special occasions

Celebrate in glorious style with your closest friends and family at this six-suite villa set within the prestigious Marbella Club. This extravagant yet unpretentious villa has masses of space, traditional Andalusian interiors and super-smart amenities (including a private gym and spa), plus tropical gardens leading directly to a sandy beach. Thoughtful touches such as customised playlists pre-loaded onto iPads for guests make this villa special. But the jewel in its crown is the full retinue of staff (we're talking a maid, butler, bartender and masseuse) who ensure every whim is catered for and, with the help of the special-events manager, every celebration unforgettable.

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Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Best for: An island hideaway

This magical island retreat is as renowned for its powder-white sands, lush vegetation and understated luxury as it is for its abiding philosophy of 'No news, no shoes'. The winning combination of staggering natural beauty, low-key elegance and leave-your-worries-at-the-plane-door way of life is what makes Soneva Fushi the ultimate island holiday destination. Step into your vast villa, hidden among dense foliage, slip off your sandals and sit back as your personal butler welcomes you with a cold drink and warm smile. Enjoy this intuitive, in-villa service while pondering the extensive choices on offer around the resort. Pick between 60 flavours of ice cream, 11 types of pillow, 500 different wines and countless treatments at the world-class Six Senses Spa.